A land of contrasts whose rich history, people and landscapes will excite the imagination of all who visit. Together they form a melting-pot slowly blended over time. The diversity and natural wealth of this amazing land are spread throughout its three thousand kilometres of coastline.

This country poses many questions – where to start, where to finish and how & when to plan another visit. The Butler Company has a partner who shares its values, experts who love to create tailor-made holidays that will take you from one surprise to the next and guide you through the trip of your dreams.

So, where to start? The Red River Delta? With the proud people of the mountains bordering China? In beautiful Hanoi? You holiday may resemble the country’s history and landscape, shaped by the countryside and the people you meet. Different cultures overlap in time; from ancient imperial capitals to small fishing villages, from the Hindu influenced islands of the kingdom of Cham to the rich aroma of the coffee grown on the plateaus. The only constant is that it will all enthrall you.

After following the “backbone” of the country, you reach the southern part of Vietnam where the colours burst into life; laughter can be heard along the lush, green creeks of the delta and in the markets and villages. The heat is more intense and Saigon hums like a “beehive” where your soul will be touched by almost everything you see. You may choose to finish your holiday lying on the silent beaches of the South, with the gently breaking waves being the only sound you hear.

Day 1 Hanoi (No meal)Arrival at Hanoi Airport and transfer to your hotel. After checking-in, you have free time to relax. In the afternoon, you first contact with a rickshaw as you ride through the old quarters of the city. Lunch and dinner not included.

Day 2 Hanoi (B)In the morning, you visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Ho Chi Minh Residence, the One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature. In the afternoon, you visit Hoan Kiem Lake and the Temple of the Jade Mountain. You continue on through the narrow streets of the old town passing between the crowded stalls. Your tour includes a visit to a traditional Vietnamese house. Lunch and dinner not included.

Day 3 Hanoi – Cruise on Ha Long Bay (B/L/D)You set off by road for the famous Ha Long Bay. You board the “Violet Junk” at around 12:30pm and set off from the harbor at Bai Chay. At 1:00pm, you are served your lunch on-board as you start your cruise through the many islands and rocky outcrops that make the bay so beautiful and give it, its reputation. You visit the Thay Caves before continuing on to one of the many fishing villages where you will learn about the daily life of the villagers and their customs. In the late afternoon, you can cool off in the waters of the bay if you wish, before the boat docks for the night. Dinner on-board.

Day 4 Cruise on Ha Long Bay – Hanoi – (B)Early in the morning (around 6:30am) tea, coffee and pastries will be served. After breakfast, you have the chance to learn some Tai Chi exercises with a class on the bridge from 7:30am. You can learn more about the delights of Vietnam cuisine during a cooking class on-board. At around 9:30am, a brunch is served before you dock at Bai Chay at 11:00am. After disembarking, you return by road to Hanoi and transfer to your hotel. You have free time to relax or explore the city. Lunch and dinner not included.

Day 5 Hanoi – Hue (B)After breakfast, you transfer to the airport for your flight to Hue. On your arrival, you set off for the town centre (around 45 minutes) and you visit the market at Dong Ba. You have time to explore the market before continuing on to the Imperial City. After visiting the Imperial City, you check-in at your hotel. Lunch and dinner not included.

Day 6 Hue – Danang – Hoi An (B)You embark on a cruise on the Perfume River and visit Thien Mu Pagoda which sits on the banks of the river. You continue on by road to visit the tombs of the emperors Tu Duc and Minh Mang. You follow the road to Danang which passes along the coast and emerald green rice fields. You visit the magnificent Cham Art Museum in Danang before continuing on to the small town of Hoi An. Lunch and dinner not included.

Day 7 Hoi An (B)
In the morning you set off on a walking tour of the old city with its numerous merchant’s houses. Your tour includes Hokkien Temple, the famous Japanese bridge which is the symbol of the city and the colourful market on the banks of the river. In the afternoon, you continue to explore the city before embarking on a cruise on the River Thu Bon. Your cruise takes you to the village of Thanh Ha where the villagers produce traditional pottery. Lunch and dinner not included.

Day 8 Hoi An – Danang – Nha Trang (B)After breakfast you leave Hoi An and head for the airport at Danang for your flight to Nha Trang. On arrival you transfer to the Six Senses Hideaway. The transfer to the hotel is made without a guide and consists of a 60 minute drive to the Six Senses Lounge in Nha Trang followed by a short 20 minute boat ride to the hotel. After checking-in, you have free time to relax and enjoy the hotel. Lunch and dinner not included.

Days 9 & 10 Nha Trang (B)Two free days to enjoy the Six Senses Hideaway Resort. Lunch and dinner not included.

Day 11 Nha Trang – Ho Chi Minh (B)You leave the hotel by boat for your transfer (without guide) to the airport. You fly from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh and transfer to your hotel. You have free time to relax or explore the city. Lunch and dinner not included.

Day 12 Ho Chi Minh – Departure (B)You set off for a tour of the largest city in Vietnam. Your tour includes the Notre Dame Cathedral and the magnificent Post Office, Chinatown, Binh Tay Market and Thien Hau Temple. After lunch (not included), you have some free time before your flight to your next destination.